Jack Higgins

Born in 1923 in Oxford Mills, Jack Higgins made this area his home. In 1937, Jack started playing baseball for the Kemptville Senior Men’s League and while in the RCAF joined the Trenton Air Force Base Team from 1941 to 1945. His talent then led him to the St. Lawrence Senior Men’s Team where he played from 1946 to 1949. From 1945 to 1949, Jack played for the Hallville/Dundas Senior Men’s team. He continued to play in area leagues until 1954.Well known as “Mr. Softball”, Jack’s history in the 30 year development of Kemptville’s major softball tournaments is legendary. He founded the tournament in 1955 and under his leadership the tournaments grew and became known for “softball at its best” throughout Ontario. Over its history, the tournament raised over $300,000.00 for Kemptville Lions Club charities including the Kemptville District Hospital and Riverside Park.

Over the years, Jack has continued to be involved in his community as a coach for bantam, midget and juvenile softball teams; manager of teams including Kemptville Jr. “A” Fastball and the Kemptville Royals; president of Knights of Columbus; member of the Kemptville Minor Hockey Association; Community Centennial Committee; Hockey Arena Development Committee; Leeds and Grenville Board of Education; Kemptville Legion; and Charter Member of the Lions Club of Kemptville. At the provincial level, Jack has served as an executive of the Ontario Amateur Softball Association, President of the Interprovincial Junior Fastball League and Assistant Organizer of the Perth World Class Fast Pitch Shootout Tournament.

In 1964 Jack received a testimonial of sincere appreciation from the Lions Club for his service as President, a testimonial of sincere appreciation in 1969 for his distinguished and unselfish service to the club and community while serving with outstanding leadership, vision and ability at the annual major softball tournament for 25 years. The Knights of Columbus also honoured Jack in 2002 with a certificate of merit in grateful recognition of faithful and exceptional services.